Changes in Personality Traits Predict Allostatic Load
2024

Changes in Personality Traits Predict Allostatic Load

Sample size: 998 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alderson Jacob, Miller Sarah, Turiano Nicholas

Primary Institution: West Virginia University

Hypothesis

Changes in personality traits are associated with allostatic load in older adults.

Conclusion

Increases in openness and decreases in agreeableness are linked to lower allostatic load.

Supporting Evidence

  • Personality change can influence physical health.
  • Allostatic load is a key indicator of health and aging.
  • Increases in openness are associated with lower allostatic load.
  • Decreases in agreeableness are associated with lower allostatic load.

Takeaway

How we change as people can affect our health as we get older.

Methodology

The study analyzed personality changes over time using the MIDUS dataset and regression analyses.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 46.14, range 25-74, included age, race, gender, and education level as covariates.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = .034 for openness, p = .004 for agreeableness

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2501

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